Man in a denim shirt holding a cello bow infront of a cello, sitting in a wooden room.

The Cello & Erik Friedlander

A space for cello lovers, players, and curious minds. Lessons, tools, and inspiration from one of today’s most inventive cellists.

Erik Friedlander has spent decades pushing the boundaries of what the cello can do. From solo improvisation to film scores, his voice is bold, expressive, and uniquely his own.

This page is for those who want to go deeper—whether you're a cellist, a composer, or simply curious about the creative process.

Cover of 'American Power - The Music' by Erik Friedlander, featuring a black and white photograph of a suburban scene with houses and trees.

American Power Suite - Book

In 2011, Erik Friedlander wrote and recorded "The American Power Suite," a group of six compositions for solo cello inspired by the photography of Mitch Epstein's "American Power" book.

For more information about the project, go to www.americanpowermusic.com

LEARN WITH ERIK

Abstract digital artwork with geometric shapes, smoke, and a perforated oval on a green background.

Block Ice & Propane - eBook

The music of "Block Ice & Propane." Bowings, fingerings, and performance notes. Published and hand-written original parts, with my notes, appear together on facing pages along with both a cello and a concert version. Glossy, 4-color printing with original Kio Griffith art work.

Cover of the book "Contemporary Cello Etudes: Studies in Style & Technique" by Mike Block, featuring a cello and list of contributing cellists, published by Berklee Press.

Contemporary Cello Etudes
Book + Bonus Unpublished Etudes

This etude book features a groundbreaking collection of 28 Non-Classical cello etudes composed by 13 contributors from a range of stylistic backgrounds.

LESSONS

Explore Curated Cello Lessons

Black and white image of a bald man in glasses holding a cello in front of graffiti-covered wall.

Below is a collection of cello lessons I've gathered over the years.

I especially recommend David Finckel's "Cello Talks," a comprehensive and engaging series of short, five-minute videos perfect for focused practice or quick inspiration. Check out "Cello Talks" here—well worth your time!

Hear the Cello Differently
Video Lessons

Black and white photo of a person playing a cello, focusing on the hand and strings.

Experience how Erik reimagines the cello through:

Solo Works
Collaborative Projects
Film/TV Soundtracks

OTHER LESSONS

The "Olympic" Cello Workout

A Series of Exercises to Enhance Your Speed, Endurance, & Strength! (This links to a ZIP file with 7 PDF files.)

Playing Live!

Amplification, pickups, etc.

Jazz Cello Lessons

Harmony, Time, Phrasing

Traveling With the Cello

tips on air and train travel

Contact Erik

Feel free to use this contact form to get in touch with me.